Internalized homophobia is one of the most quietly damaging forces shaping LGBTQ+ lives, and many people don’t realize how deeply it affects their self-worth, relationships, and sense of belonging. In this video, we break down what internalized homophobia actually is, how negative societal messages get turned inward, and why so many queer people struggle with shame, intimacy, and self-acceptance long after coming out.

Internalized homophobia isn’t a personal failure—it’s a learned response. And with awareness, support, and care, it’s something we can overcome.

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Listen to the full podcast episode: https://www.ajadedgay.com/11-overcoming-internalized-homophobia/

Read more on the topic in my blog: https://www.ajadedgay.com/blog/unpacking-internalized-homophobia-a-deeper-look-at-self-directed-negativity/

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Sources:
Internalized Homophobia, Intimacy, and Sexual Behavior Among Gay and Bisexual Men (1998): https://tinyurl.com/4x2x2bx6

The Rainbow Project - Internalised Homophobia: https://www.rainbow-project.org/internalised-homophobia/

Internalized Homophobia and Relationship Quality Among Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2678796/

Measurement and Correlates of Internalized Homophobia: A Factor for Analytic Study: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Ross-17/publication/14518669_Measurement_and_correlates_of_internalized_homophobia_A_factor_analytic_study/links/5c6d85c792851c1c9df11ebf/Measurement-and-correlates-of-internalized-homophobia-A-factor-analytic-study.pdf

Internalized Homophobia and Relationship Quality Among Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals (2009): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20047016/

What is Internalized Homophobia?: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/queering-psychology/202002/what-is-internalized-homophobia

30 Ways to Combat Internalized Homophobia for Gay and Lesbian People
Be Kind to Yourself: https://www.thegaytherapycenter.com/30-ways-to-combat-internalized-homophobia/

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